Marbury v. Madison

Marbury v. Madison is a landmark case in American judicial history, taking place in 1803. This case established the U.S. Supreme Court’s power of judicial review—the authority to review whether acts of Congress and executive actions are unconstitutional—thus profoundly impacting the American political system.

The case arose when John Adams, before leaving office in 1801, appointed 42 justices of the peace, but due to oversight, 17 commissions were not delivered on time. Incoming President Thomas Jefferson instructed Secretary of State James Madison to withhold these commissions. William Marbury, one of the nominees approved by the Senate but not receiving his commission, filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Court, seeking a writ of mandamus to compel Madison to deliver the commission.

Chief Justice John Marshall, presiding over the case, ruled that while Marbury’s rights were violated, the power granted to the Supreme Court by Section 13 of the Judiciary Act of 1789 to issue writs of mandamus was unconstitutional. Therefore, the Court refused to issue the writ and declared the provision invalid.

The Marbury v. Madison decision established the principle of judicial review, granting courts the authority to examine the constitutionality of laws and executive actions. This ruling not only affirmed the Supreme Court’s power in constitutional interpretation and invalidating government actions and congressional legislation but also had a significant impact on the U.S. political system. The principle of judicial review became a crucial mechanism for checking legislative and executive powers, safeguarding citizens’ rights.